A busy schedule can make it challenging for anyone to make home-cooked meals. Even if you have a well-stocked fridge and pantry, you may not have time to prepare lunch or dinner for your family.

Fortunately, you can still enjoy tasty and filling food at home without the hassles of cooking when you buy ready-to-eat meals.  These products ensure you have something to serve your family for lunch or dinner within minutes that they’ll love.

Ready-to-eat meals also cater to different dietary preferences and nutritional needs. Whether you (or a family member) are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or counting calories, you can find delicious products suitable for these dietary requirements. 

Pre-cooked meals can sometimes be a cost-effective option as well. When you consider the cost of individual ingredients and the time you’ll spend preparing a dish, these store-bought products can be more economical.

These products can also help reduce food waste, since portions are typically sized appropriately, which helps minimize leftovers.

Whether you have a small or big family, ready meals offer convenience, variety, cost savings, and waste reduction, benefits that matter a lot to all homemakers.

How to Choose High-Quality Ready-to-Eat Meals

If you’re shopping for healthy, filling, ready-to-eat meals, follow these tips:

1. Check the ingredients.

In the past, buying store-bought ready-to-serve meals was not a popular option, especially among health-conscious consumers. Many of these products contained unhealthy ingredients to make them taste better and have longer shelf lives.

However, this is no longer true since many ready meals are now well-thought-out and better prepared to ensure they are healthy and taste great, even without additives and preservatives.

If you want to be sure you are buying healthy ready-to-eat meals, check their labels. Read their ingredients; the shorter the list, the better. The best options are minimally processed and have easily identifiable, nutritious and high-quality ingredients.

Stay away from products with unhealthy ingredients, such as:

  • Trans fats or partially hydrogenated oils that affect good cholesterol and raise bad cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
  • High-fructose corn syrup, which contributes to obesity and metabolic disorders when consumed regularly.
  • Artificial additives and preservatives, such as nitrates and MSG, that can cause various health concerns, including headaches, allergic reactions, and potentially more serious long-term effects.

Take the time to read the ingredients list and nutritional values of ready meals if you’re shopping at an online grocery store or ordering them from a cafe or restaurant.

2.  Note the product’s calorie content.

Checking the portion size and calories of pre-cooked products ensures you and your family eat filling meals without excessive calories.

By checking the calorie content, you can make better choices that align with everyone’s dietary goals and help everyone stay healthy. It also helps you avoid harmful fats, sugars, and other unhealthy ingredients that can contribute to weight gain and possible medical issues.

However, keep in mind that ready-to-eat products with less than 200 calories are not enough for a meal. To make them more filling for lunch or dinner, serve them with a side of salad, steamed vegetables or lentil soup.

By making sure the pre-cooked meals you serve are filling and balanced, you can reduce the possibility of unhealthy snacking, which can cause unwanted weight gain and other potential health issues.

3. Choose meals with lean proteins.

Lean proteins, including chicken breast, turkey, fish, eggs, tofu, and beans, provide essential nutrients without the unhealthy saturated fats found in red and processed meats.

The nutrients found in these proteins help repair muscles, strengthen the immune system and boost the body’s energy levels. Additionally, they often come with fewer calories, making them ideal options if you’re watching your weight.

When browsing ready-to-eat meals, look for options that list these lean proteins prominently on their ingredient lists. For example, a grilled chicken salad, organic egg breakfast burrito, or tofu stir-fry can be excellent choices. However, avoid products with high-fat and processed meats and additives.

4. Look for products with fruits and vegetables.

Fruits and vegetables are vital for a well-rounded diet. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients that help you stay healthy.

The good news is many ready-to-eat options have these ingredients, allowing your family to enjoy nutritionally balanced food during mealtimes.

When shopping, look for options with a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. For instance, a quinoa salad with mixed vegetables or a veggie-packed wrap can make for a nutritious and filling meal.

Fruits like berries, apples, or citrus add natural sweetness and nutrients to salads and other savory dishes. As such, look for these options whenever you shop.

Read the product labels and ingredients to make sure your choices contain fruits and vegetables. You can even find ready meals with organic ingredients if you do your research well.

Quick, Convenient Meals That Keep Your Family Healthy

A balanced diet improves your physical and emotional health, helps boost energy levels, and prevents chronic diseases like heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

When chosen correctly, ready-to-eat products can help maintain your family’s overall wellness without the need to spend a lot of time preparing meals.